Pataskala Grace Church Sermons

Walk in the Light: Know That You Know

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

In this message from 1 John 5:13–21, we’ll look at John’s closing aim: helping believers stop living in spiritual “maybe” and start living with settled hope. We’ll see how God’s Word anchors the heart, how prayer can be approached with quiet boldness, how love moves us to plead for those who are drifting, and how Jesus guards His people in a world still under darkness. We’ll end by hearing John’s final warning as a gentle invitation to let go of substitutes and stay close to the One who is truly life.

Walk in the Light: Victory & Testimony

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

This message from 1 John 5:1–12 explores what happens when God gives us new life through faith in Jesus. John shows that believing in Christ doesn’t just add religion to our schedule—it reshapes our loyalty from the world to God. That new life brings us into God’s family with a new love for the Father and His people, a new willingness to obey God’s commands as good and freeing, and a new confidence to hold to—and speak—the true story of Jesus: confirmed by God’s own testimony through the Spirit, the water, and the blood. Ultimately, this passage calls us to live as people whose allegiance has been realigned by the life found only in the Son.

Walk in the Light: Discovering Love

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

This message explores where love truly comes from and how we come to understand it. Rather than treating love as a feeling we create or a value we define for ourselves, it looks at love as something we encounter and learn through relationship—beginning with God. Drawing from 1 John, the sermon shows that love existed before us, was made visible through Jesus, and shapes the way we relate to God and one another. The invitation is not to try harder to be loving, but to receive God’s initiating love and allow it to reshape how we live, think, and love others.

Walk in the Light: Love Reveals Life

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 10:00:00 +0000

This message explores how genuine faith in Jesus is made visible through our love for one another. In 1 John 3:11–24, the apostle John shows that love within the church is not optional or abstract—it is the clearest evidence of new life in Christ. This message walks through what true Christian love looks like, how it contrasts with resentment and selfishness, how it leads to confidence before God, and how it ultimately flows from faith in Jesus. Whether you’re wrestling with assurance or seeking to grow in love for others, this passage calls us to a faith that is lived out, not just spoken.

Walk in the Light: Spiritual Readiness

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

This message from 1 John 2:18–3:10 explores how believers are meant to live in light of Christ’s promised return. John addresses the pressures of confusion, false teaching, and moral compromise, showing how followers of Jesus can remain faithful in uncertain times. Rather than speculation about dates or signs, the passage calls for clarity in belief, confidence in hope, and consistency in daily life. The focus is not fear of the future, but faithfulness until Christ appears.

Walk in the Light: Diagnosing Our Devotion

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

This message from 1 John 2:3–11 and 15–17 calls us to take an honest look at the shape of our lives. Rather than relying on what we say about our faith, John urges believers to consider what our actions, relationships, and desires reveal about our devotion to God. The passage challenges us to examine obedience, love for other believers, and our relationship to the world as signs of genuine fellowship with God. The goal is not to produce guilt or fear, but to invite repentance, renewed faithfulness, and deeper joy found in loving God above all else.

Walk in the Light: Stepping Out of the Shadows

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

In this opening message from a new series on 1 John, we explore what it truly means to belong to God in everyday life. The apostle John challenges empty religious talk and calls believers to lives shaped by truth, humility, and integrity. While Scripture takes sin seriously, it also offers deep reassurance for those who stumble—pointing us to Jesus Christ, who speaks on our behalf before the Father. This sermon sets the tone for the Walk in the Light series by showing how genuine faith reshapes both how we live and how we respond when we fall short.

Paradise to Promise: Promise

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

This sermon looks at the closing vision of Scripture and shows how God will bring His redemptive plan to completion. In Revelation 21:1–8, we see a future where everything broken by sin is made new, where sorrow and death are gone, and where God’s people enjoy unhindered fellowship with Him forever. This message also considers what that coming reality should do in us right now, calling us to persevere with hope, pursue holiness, and cling to Christ as we wait for the world to come.

Paradise to Promise: Power

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

If God forgives sin, why should Christians still fight it? That question gets to the heart of one of the greatest misunderstandings about grace. In Romans 6, the apostle Paul shows us that grace is far more than divine pardon—it is the power of God that unites believers to Jesus Christ in His death and resurrection. Because of our union with Christ, sin no longer rules over us, and we are no longer who we once were. In this message, we explore how the gospel not only forgives our past but transforms our present, breaks sin’s power, and calls us to live in the new life Jesus has won for us. Because if you are alive in Christ, you can no longer live in sin.

Paradise to Promise: Profession

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

This Easter message invites us into the greatest story ever told—not as passive observers, but as active participants whose lives must be transformed by its truth. Drawing from Romans 10:9-10, we're reminded that salvation requires both confession and belief: confessing with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and believing in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead. But here's the challenging part—confession isn't just verbal agreement. It's complete submission to Christ's lordship over every area of our lives. The message traces the biblical narrative from paradise lost to paradise restored, showing how sin separated us from God and how Jesus bridged that impossible gap through His death and resurrection. What makes this story different from every inspiring tale we've encountered is that it demands a response. We can't remain neutral. Either we reject the only provision God has made for our sin, or we surrender completely, allowing Jesus to be not just our Savior but our Master and King. The resurrection isn't just historical fact—it's the foundation upon which we build our entire existence. This Easter, we're challenged to examine whether we've truly made God's story our story, or if we're simply going through religious motions while keeping Jesus at arm's length from the areas of our lives we want to control.

Paradise to Promise: Provision

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

This message explores the heart of the gospel through 1 Peter 2:21–25 by showing how our rescue from sin came at an immense cost. Rather than ignoring our guilt, God dealt with it through the death of Jesus, who took upon Himself what we deserved so that we could be forgiven, restored, and brought back into a right relationship with Him. This sermon invites listeners to feel the weight of Christ’s sacrifice and to respond with repentance, gratitude, and a life yielded to His loving leadership.

Paradise to Promise: Prized

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

This sermon explores John 3:16–21 and shows that the reason God made a way to save sinners is His deep love for them. Even though humanity has rebelled against God and stands guilty before Him, He did not abandon us to the death our sin deserves. Instead, He sent Jesus to be lifted up so that anyone who trusts in Him can receive eternal life. The message also highlights that God’s love does not ignore justice: those who reject Christ remain under judgment, while those who respond to Him step out of secrecy, sin, and self-deception and begin walking openly in the freedom God desires for them.

From Paradise to Promise: Penalty

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

This message explores why sin is so serious and why a holy God cannot simply overlook it. It considers the devastation sin brings into our lives and world, while also pointing to the mercy God has shown through Jesus Christ. In the end, this sermon is meant to lead us to humility, gratitude, and renewed faith in the One who rescues sinners and gives true life.

Paradise to Promise: Problem

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Something is wrong with the world—and deep down, we all know it. Violence, broken relationships, fear, shame, and death all point to a fracture that runs deeper than politics, systems, or culture. In this message from Genesis 3, we explore the moment the human story changed forever when sin entered the world and separated humanity from the presence of God. But even in the wreckage of the fall, God spoke a promise: one day a Savior would come to defeat the enemy and restore what was lost. Tracing that promise through the story of Scripture to the cross and the empty tomb, this sermon reveals both the devastating cost of sin and the astonishing grace of Christ—because while sin costs everything, Jesus paid everything to bring us home.

From Paradise to Promise: Problem

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

This opening message looks at Genesis 2:4–25 to show what life was like before everything fractured—when humanity experienced an unspoiled relationship with God. We explore Eden as more than a beautiful setting: it reveals God’s heart, His generosity, and the kind of life we were meant to know. Along the way, you’ll see why our deepest aches—restlessness, striving, loneliness, and shame—feel so heavy, and why we keep longing for something we can’t quite name. This sermon sets the stage for the rest of the series by helping us feel what was lost, and why God’s rescue in Jesus matters so much.

Sacred Sexuality: Reimagined and Redefined

Sun, 24 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

This message addresses the sensitive and important topic of sexuality through the lens of 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. The goal is not to attack, shame, or single out any person or group, but to consider what Scripture teaches about God's design for sexuality, the dangers of being deceived by culture, and the grace offered to every sinner through Jesus Christ. With compassion and conviction, this sermon calls Christians to submit every part of life including sexuality to Christ, while remembering that our ultimate hope is not behavior modification, but salvation, forgiveness, and transformation through the gospel.

Sacred Sexuality: Captivated and Consumed

Sun, 17 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

In Matthew 5:27–30 Jesus presses beyond outward sexual behavior and confronts the hidden desires of the heart. This message explores how lust can quietly shape our thoughts, habits, relationships, and view of others, especially in a culture where pornography and sexualized content are increasingly normalized. Rather than presenting God’s commands as restrictive, this sermon shows how Jesus’ teaching protects human dignity, strengthens love, and calls us toward a better vision of sexual holiness. It also offers hope for those carrying guilt or shame, reminding us that Christ offers both grace for our failures and power to walk in freedom.

Sacred Sexuality: Immoral Intimacy

Sun, 10 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

In this sermon from 1 Thessalonians 4:1–8, we consider how the gospel shapes not only what we believe, but how we live with our bodies. In a culture that often separates sexuality from spirituality, Scripture calls followers of Jesus to see sexual intimacy through the lens of God’s design, covenant faithfulness, and holy living. This message focuses especially on premarital sex and adultery, while also pointing to the grace of Christ for all who repent and seek restoration.

A Good Gift

Sun, 03 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

This message explores what Genesis teaches about sex as part of God’s created order and why His boundaries are meant for human flourishing rather than restriction. In a culture that often treats sex as casual and a church culture that has sometimes treated it with embarrassment or suspicion, Scripture gives us a better foundation. This sermon considers how sex relates to marriage, family, intimacy, joy, responsibility, and discipleship, while also pointing to the grace of Christ for those who carry sexual sin, shame, or brokenness.

Corrupting a Culture

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000

This message takes a hard look at a question many people are asking: How did our culture get so confused about sex, identity, and truth? Starting with a surprising story from the Old Testament, it uncovers a pattern that still shapes the world we live in today. Rather than offering surface-level answers, this sermon traces the deeper forces that have quietly influenced our thinking—and challenges us to see what’s really at stake. If you’ve ever wondered why what once seemed obvious now feels contested, or how Christians should respond without fear or compromise, this message will push you to think—and call you to something better.

Word Made Flesh: Perfect Judge

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

This message explores why Jesus had to become fully human in order to stand as the rightful judge of all people. Drawing from John 5:19–30, it shows how Jesus carries God’s authority, offers life in the present, and will one day bring human history to its final resolution. Rather than presenting judgment as cold or arbitrary, the sermon highlights how God has entrusted this role to His Son, who acts in perfect unity with the Father. The message invites listeners to consider how they are responding to Jesus now, in light of the future accountability every person will face.

Word Made Flesh: Perfect King

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus ushers in the kingdom of God and is given all authority in heaven and on earth. He is the descendent of David who fulfills the Davidic covenant.

Word Made Flesh: Perfect Priest

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus didn't just come to teach us or inspire us—He came to be the bridge between humanity and God. Drawing from Hebrews 4:14–5:10, we discover why it was essential for Jesus to become fully human in order to serve as our high priest. Because He lived as one of us, He intimately knows our struggles and temptations. Because He lived without sin, He could offer the perfect sacrifice we could never provide. And because God appointed Him, we can approach the throne of grace with complete confidence, knowing that our representative both understands our weakness and has the authority to bring us into God's presence. This Advent season, we're reminded that the baby in the manger grew up to become the priest we desperately needed—someone who doesn't just sympathize from heaven but stands beside us, advocating for us before the Father.

Christmas Eve Service

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Word Made Flesh: Perfect Example

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

This message explores how the life of Jesus provides a pattern for how we are meant to navigate relationships, emotions, work, communication, and conflict in everyday life. Drawing from Ephesians 4:25–32, it examines the contrast between destructive habits that fracture communities and the healthier, Spirit-shaped ways of living that bring healing, wholeness, and unity. The sermon invites listeners to examine their own hearts, consider the ways their choices affect others, and embrace the kind of transformation that leads to greater integrity, compassion, and maturity.

Word Made Flesh: Perfect Revelation

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this message, we explore why Jesus entered our world and what His coming tells us about the character and intentions of God. Rather than leaving us to guess what God is like or search endlessly for spiritual clarity, Jesus reveals the Father in a way we can see, understand, and respond to. By looking closely at John 1, we discover how God takes the initiative to seek us, rescue us, and bring us back into relationship with Him. This sermon invites you to reconsider how you see God—and how deeply He has moved toward you in Christ.

Multiply: Why We Plant

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000

All around us are people searching for peace, purpose, and belonging—crowds just like the ones Jesus saw in Galilee. When He looked at them, He wasn’t angry or indifferent; He was moved with compassion. In Matthew 9, we see the heart of Christ for the helpless and the harvest: a Savior who sees, feels, and sends. God is calling Pataskala Grace to join Him in that same mission—right here, right now—to pray for the harvest, give toward the work, and go where the gospel is needed most.

Multiply: When God Sends

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000

When God sends His people, His Spirit leads the way. The church in Antioch didn’t hold back what they loved—they trusted God enough to release it. In Acts 13, we see that when God’s Word confronts darkness, His gospel always prevails. Multiplying churches don’t lose by sending—they grow by obeying. What God builds here, God sends there.

Multiply: What God Builds

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000

When God builds His church, He follows His own design. The first believers in Antioch didn’t invent a strategy—they followed a blueprint. Their foundation was simple but strong: mission, encouragement, truth, and generosity. In Acts 11, we see that multiplying churches don’t chase trends—they trust God’s plan. The same God who built the first church is still building this one.

Multiply: Who God Is

Sun, 02 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000

From creation to commission, God has always been a God of movement. He forms, sends, and empowers His people to carry His presence into new places. The church doesn’t invent the idea of multiplication—it inherits it. When we see who God is, we see how His church responds: open-handed, Spirit-led, and ready to be part of something bigger than ourselves.

Enduring the Exile: The Unseen War/Sunday Service

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Enduring the Exile: Prayer and promise/Sunday Service

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Enduring the Exile: Ram vs. Goat

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this message from Daniel 8, we explore how believers can remain faithful when life feels dark and unjust. The chapter reveals a world where corrupt leaders rise, God’s people suffer, and yet His purposes move steadily forward. This sermon helps us see that even in seasons of confusion or hardship, God has not lost control. We’ll discover how Christians are called to live in such seasons.

Enduring the Exile: Beastly Dreams

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000

This message from Daniel 7 reminds us that while nations rise and fall, evil seems to triumph, and God’s people endure suffering, the end of the story has already been written. Jesus, the Son of Man, has secured the victory through His cross and resurrection and will one day establish His eternal kingdom. Because of this, we can live with peace and confidence today, knowing our tomorrow is safe in His hands.

Enduring the Exile: Delivered from the Den

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this message from Daniel 6, we explore what it means to live with unwavering faith in a hostile world. Through Daniel's story in the lions' den, we discover how righteous living can provoke opposition, why faithfulness sometimes leads us into dangerous situations, and what it looks like to trust God's power without presuming His intervention. This sermon challenges believers to examine where they might be playing it safe instead of standing firm, and encourages them to see how God can use their faithfulness to reveal His glory to others.

Enduring the Exile: Humbled by Handwriting

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000

This message from Daniel 5 is a sobering reminder of what happens when people live in pride and rebellion against God. Belshazzar threw a party that mocked the Lord, but in a single night his kingdom crumbled and his life was taken. Through this story, we see that God uses warnings to call us back, that we are wise to learn from those who have gone before us, and that we must be faithful to speak truth even when it is hard to hear. Ultimately, this passage points us to the reality of eternal separation from God if we continue in our sin. But it also points us to the hope of Jesus Christ, who came to rescue us from judgment and give us life through His death and resurrection.

Enduring the Exile: Madness, Mercy, and The True King

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In Daniel 4, the most powerful king on earth is brought low, driven to live like a beast until he lifts his eyes to heaven. This sermon considers the madness of pride, the mercy of God, and the glory of the true King. We’ll see how pride dehumanizes us, how humility positions us to receive grace, and how only Jesus—who humbled Himself at the cross—can restore us to life and sanity. Ultimately, this story reminds us that bowing to the true King is the only way to be made whole.

Enduring the Exile: Faced with Fire

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In Daniel 3, three young men stand firm when everyone else bows to the king’s idol, even though it could cost them their lives. This sermon explores what it means to remain faithful to God when the pressure to compromise feels overwhelming. We’ll consider how cultural pressures test our loyalty, how courage is required to follow Christ, and how God’s presence gives peace even in the fire. Ultimately, this story reminds us that we cannot stand for God while bowing to idols.

Enduring the Exile: Revelation & Reward

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000

This sermon from Daniel 2 explores how God reveals His power in the present while also unveiling His plan for the future. Through Daniel’s faithfulness in the face of an impossible challenge, we see how prayer, praise, humility, and obedience not only bring deliverance but also point to God’s greater kingdom that will never end. This message invites us to consider how God can work through our faithfulness today to make His power and hope known in a world that desperately needs Him.

Enduring the Exile: Avoiding Assimilation

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In a world that constantly pressures us to fit in, how can followers of Jesus stay faithful without losing influence? In this message from Daniel chapter one, we see how four young men stood strong in a hostile culture, refusing to compromise their faith while still showing wisdom, respect, and courage. Discover how their story speaks directly into our lives today and how you, too, can live with conviction and clarity in a culture that often pulls us the other way.

Holy Habits: Called to Worship

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Psalm 95 reminds us that coming together as God’s people isn’t just a tradition—it’s a calling. In this message, we explore why gathering matters, how we can engage with both joy and reverence, and the importance of keeping our hearts soft to God’s voice. We’ll see that corporate worship isn’t simply about attending a service; it’s about meeting with our Creator and King in a way that shapes our lives and honors His greatness.

Holy Habits: Silence & Solitude

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In the midst of life’s endless demands and noise, it can be hard to find space to connect with God. This sermon invites you to follow Jesus’ example of breaking away from busyness to seek silence and solitude with the Father. Discover why stepping into quiet moments is not about escape, but about intentionally resting in God’s goodness, deepening prayer and worship, realigning with His purpose, and gaining strength for life’s challenges. If you’re longing for a practical way to grow closer to God amid the chaos, this message offers encouragement and guidance to reclaim sacred space for your soul.

Holy Habits: Service

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 10:00:00 +0000

What does it look like to live with eternity in mind? In 1 Peter 4:7-11, we’re reminded that the end of all things is near—and that truth should change the way we live right now. In this sermon, we explore how God calls us to serve one another with love, humility, and the unique gifts He’s given us. Whether you feel confident in your role or unsure of where you fit, this message will encourage you to step in and serve for the glory of God and the good of His church. Watch now and discover how your service matters more than you think.

Holy Habits: Refrain & Replace

Sun, 20 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Have you ever been so focused on something that you forgot to eat? That kind of hunger—where desire outweighs appetite—is a glimpse into what fasting is all about. In this message, we’ll explore how fasting isn’t just about going without food; it’s a powerful act of worship that helps us repent, grieve, depend, and draw near to God. Whether you’re new to fasting or simply need a fresh perspective, this sermon will help you see it as more than a discipline—it’s a way to seek God with your whole heart.

Holy Habits: Constant Conversation

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Prayer is one of the most vital parts of the Christian life, yet many of us struggle to understand it—or practice it consistently. In this message, we’ll explore what prayer truly is and what it isn’t. We’ll look at why prayer matters, how it connects us to the heart of God, and how we can grow in both the habit and the heart behind it. Whether prayer feels natural or foreign to you, this sermon will help you take a meaningful step closer to God.

Holy Habits: Hunger for the Word

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In a world full of noise, distractions, and spiritual confusion, we need steady habits that keep us rooted in truth and growing in grace. That’s what the spiritual disciplines are all about—practices that help us draw near to God and become more like Christ. Among them, Bible study stands as one of the most essential. Without God’s Word, we cannot truly know who He is or how He calls us to live. In this message, we’ll explore why studying Scripture isn’t just a helpful habit—it’s a lifeline for every believer who wants to walk faithfully with God.

Walking in Wisdom: You're Not Superman

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Pride is more than just an attitude—it’s a spiritual barrier that subtly takes root in our hearts and shapes the way we relate to God and others. This message explores the danger of pride as revealed in the book of Proverbs, showing how it distorts our thinking, damages our relationships, and leads us away from the life of wisdom God calls us to. If you’ve ever struggled with self-reliance, defensiveness, or the need to prove yourself, this message offers a timely and challenging word about the power of humility and the freedom that comes from surrender.

Walking in Wisdom: Paying for the candy.

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000

What does it really mean to live with integrity—and why does it matter? This sermon explores how integrity is more than just honesty; it’s about consistently living out God’s wisdom in our everyday decisions. Drawing from the book of Proverbs, we’ll discover how a life of integrity shapes our path, strengthens our relationships, and leaves a lasting impact. Whether you're facing temptation, navigating pressure, or simply trying to do the right thing when no one’s watching, this message will challenge and encourage you to build a life that stands strong when everything else is shaking.

Walking in Wisdom: Parenting by Proverbs

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Parenting can feel overwhelming—but Proverbs offers timeless wisdom for raising children with both grace and truth. Rather than relying on trends or quick fixes, God calls us to train up the next generation with theological instruction and loving discipline. When we teach our kids the way of wisdom, we’re not just correcting behavior—we’re shaping hearts. And while the journey isn’t easy, faithful parenting leads to joy, peace, and rest when it’s rooted in God’s design.

Walking in Wisdom: Mo Money Mo Problems

Sun, 08 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Money can be a tool or a trap—it depends on the wisdom behind it. The world often tells us more money means more happiness, freedom, or success. But Proverbs shows us a better way: God's financial wisdom leads not just to wealth, but to peace, contentment, and joy. Whether it’s working hard, avoiding debt, fighting greed, or giving generously, the way we use our money reflects what we believe about God.

Walking in Wisdom: The Soap Opera Solution

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In a world filled with division, tension, and broken relationships, the pursuit of peace can feel elusive—but the book of Proverbs shows us a better way. This sermon explores how walking in God’s wisdom leads us down a path of peace, both in our hearts and in our relationships. We’ll uncover three major obstacles to peace—anger, pride, and greed—and discover how forgiveness, humility, and trust in God can overcome them. Whether you're navigating conflict at home, work, or within yourself, this message offers practical, biblical wisdom for restoring peace before it’s too late.

Walking in Wisdom: Sticks, Stones, & Words

Sun, 25 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Words aren’t just noise—they’re power. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that life and death are in the power of the tongue. The way we speak reveals the kind of wisdom we’re walking in. Sometimes wisdom means holding back when we’d rather speak up. Sometimes it means telling the truth even when it’s hard. And sometimes it means using our words to bring healing, hope, and encouragement to those who need it most. This week, we’re learning what it looks like to speak less, speak truth, and speak life. Because wise words don’t just say something—they shape something.

Walking in Wisdom: The Six Pack Struggle

Sun, 18 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Wisdom comes from God, whose Spirit was sent by Jesus to help us through life. Walking in the Spirit produces self-control, the ability to master our desires, not be mastered by them. God doesn't give us this trait to inhibit life's pleasures, but to prevent us from sabotaging ourselves. He provides the walls, but we must keep them in place by walking in step with His Spirit.

Walking in Wisdom: This Is The Way

Sun, 11 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

We all long to make wise decisions—but wisdom isn’t found in signs, formulas, or gut feelings. It begins with a relationship. In Proverbs 3:5–6, Solomon doesn’t give us a checklist—he gives us a posture. A way of life rooted in trusting the Lord, abandoning self-reliance, and following the Good Shepherd who walks with us. True wisdom isn’t about controlling your path—it’s about trusting the One who leads it.

Walking in Wisdom: How Firm Thy Friendship

Sun, 04 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

We live in a world full of “friends”—followers, likes, and connections at our fingertips. But if we’re honest, many of us still feel isolated and unseen. Proverbs offers a vision of friendship that goes deeper than social media or surface-level companionship. It points us to a friend who shows up when others walk away, who sacrifices when it costs everything, and who loves us enough to speak truth.

Walking in Wisdom: Hey Siri, How Do I Gain Wisdom?

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000

We live in a world overflowing with information—where every question has a quick answer, and every problem has a podcast. But with all that knowledge at our fingertips, why does life still feel confusing, heavy, and chaotic? Proverbs 1 shows us that true wisdom isn’t found in searching for the right answers—it’s found in surrender. It’s not about knowing more; it’s about learning to walk in step with the God who designed life itself.

Easter Sunday - First Service

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Easter Sunday - Second Service

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Easter People: Joseph of Arimathea

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Easter People: Roman Centurion

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 10:00:00 +0000

The events that surrounded Jesus' death on the cross led the Roman Centurion who was overseeing His crucifixion to proclaim: "Truly this was the Son of God." While he's willing to acknowledge that Jesus is more than just a man, we don't necessarily know if he truly came to faith. Jesus wants more form us than just a confession of His divinity; He wants complete commitment to Him.

Easter People: Barabbas

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

A guilty Barabbas is set free when an innocent Jesus takes his place. Barabbas was a murdering insurrectionist; Jesus was a peaceful revolutionary. Yet Jesus is condemned and Barabbas is let go. How are we like Barabbas and his encounter with Christ?

Easter People - Pontius Pilate

Sun, 16 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

When Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor of Judea, encounters Jesus, he fails to respond in faith. While he recognizes that Jesus is innocent and does not deserve the death penalty, he's caught between allegiance to Jesus and the Emperor, between the Kingdom of God and the world.

ekklesia - His Protection

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus' church will always prevail and cannot be conquered by the adversary. However, that does not mean that every church will succeed.

ekklesia-Why We Gather

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

The church is not just a place we go—it’s a people we belong to. In a culture that values convenience over commitment, God calls His people to gather, worship, and hold fast to the confession of our hope. Church is not optional; it’s essential. We gather because Jesus has made a way, because we need each other, and because the race of faith is not meant to be run alone. As the Day of Christ’s return draws near, we press in, encourage one another, and endure together.

ekklesia - His Movement

Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Christianity is a process of sanctification (pursuit of holiness) and spiritual growth. Our faith is constantly in movement, either closer to God or further away. The church should be helping people grow and develop their faith. (Leadership & Growth Pipeline)

ekklesia - His Method

Sun, 16 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Adapt our methods to make as many new disciples of Jesus as we can. We have to find ways to engage and connect with non-Christians if we have any hope of saving some. That means stepping out of our comfort zones and doing something different.

ekklesia - His Message

Sun, 09 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

The church is called to proclaim and protect the truth of God in a world deceived by the devil. We teach the truths revealed in Scripture even when it drives people away or makes them feel uncomfortable.

ekklesia - His Ministers

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

All Christians are ministers and responsible for ministry. Ministry is not only the job of the pastor; rather, the pastors job is to equip the saints for the work of ministry.

ekklesia - His Mission

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000

The mission of the church is the great commission - to make disciples of all nations. This is the job of every Christian, as we are all ambassadors of Christ. [Mention church planting.}

ekklesia - United in Him

Sun, 19 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000

The church is to maintain unity and a oneness that resembles the union of the three Persons of the Trinity. Jesus said a house divided cannot stand, so if a church hopes to endure, it must maintain unity in Christ.

ekklesia - His Body

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000

The church is the community of Christ’s disciples (universal & local church) who belong to and participate in the Body of Christ (individually & communally active).

ekklesia: His Way

Sun, 05 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus is the head of the church. It was founded by Him, it was given life through Him, and it must submit to Him. This means that the church does not exist for you. You exist for the church.

Hark! Saving Love

Sun, 29 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus is the ultimate expression of God's love, sent to save, not to condemn. Through His sacrifice, He offers eternal life to all who believe, shining His light into a dark world. His love not only rescues us but transforms us, inviting us to step into the light and live as beloved children of God.

Hark! Second Adam

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Hark! Conquering Seed

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000

After the Fall of Adam & Eve, God's plan of salvation was revealed in His curse of the serpent. God would use the seed of Eve to bruise or crush the head of the serpent, who would only be able to bruise or strike the heal of Eve's descendant. Jesus is that descendant who defeats the devil.

Hark! Sun of Righteousness

Sun, 15 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000

On the Day of the Lord, Jesus will bring judgment to the wicked and healing to the righteous, who will leap for joy. Jesus first came as a helpless infant, but on that Day He'll return as a conquering king.

Incarnate Deity

Sun, 08 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus is more than just a man; He's God incarnate. His birth broke the laws of nature when the everlasting Lord entered into His creation. He is adored by the highest angels in heaven because He is the exact imprint of God.

Hark! - Reconciling King

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus is the King God sent into the world to reconcile us to Himself. He came to bring peace between God and man. He came for everyone, not just for the Jews. He came as a baby born in Bethlehem.

Apathy to Allegiance- Faith or Bitterness

Sun, 24 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000

The Israelites were bitter towards God and grumbling against Him. They thought there was no profit in following Him and that evildoers were escaping His justice. But God keeps track of those who are faithful and will remember them on the day of His return.

Apathy to Allegiance: Robbing God

Sun, 17 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000

God tells Israel that if they want to return to Him, then the need to stop robbing Him and bring their full tithe. God calls us to give as a way of demonstrating our repentance and faith. While God's grace cannot be bought, it is an expression of our trust and reliance upon Him. Giving to God helps God's people and He promises blessings in return.

Apathy to Allegiance - The God of Justice

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000

God responds to Israel’s questions about justice and fairness in a broken world. Through Malachi, He addresses the frustrations of His people, who see the wicked prospering and question His goodness. Yet God’s justice is active and transformative—He is a refining fire, purifying His people to restore true worship. His justice begins in our own hearts, calling us to repentance, refining us for righteousness, and aligning our lives with His compassion and holiness.

Apathy to Allegiance: Be Faithful

Sun, 03 Nov 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Apathy to Allegiance: Preserving the Priesthood

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

What should we expect from those who have been called by God to lead us? God speaks through Malachi to condemn the priests who had turned from His ways, taught others to do likewise, and had violated God's covenant with Levi. God reminds them of their purpose and provides a warning of what will happen if they don't restore the priesthood to what it was meant to be.

Apathy to Allegiance: Worthless Worship

Sun, 20 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Apathy to Allegiance: The Lord's Love

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Amid their doubting, the Lord reiterates His love for Israel. As Christians, it's easy to question the love of God, but it has been fully expressed through the Person and work of Jesus Christ, His Son.

Why Jesus: Selfless

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Because of His selfless love. (Humility and sacrificial death.)

Why Jesus: Powerful

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Because He is powerful. (Healings and miracles.)

Why Jesus: Perfect

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Why Jesus: Real

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Because He is real and He claimed to be God. (Not make-believe.)

The Seven Stars: Lukewarm

Sun, 18 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000

The Seven Stars: Steadfast

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Despite their small size and lack of power, the church in Philadelphia remained steadfast. Because of their faithfulness, Jesus makes a number of promises that may have been or will be fulfilled. As Christians and as a church, we must remain faithful and steadfast, even in our weakest moments.

The Seven Stars: Dead

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000

The Seven Stars: Seduced

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 10:00:00 +0000

The Seven Stars: Compromised

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 10:00:00 +0000

The Seven Stars - Tried & True

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 10:00:00 +0000

As Christians, we must be prepared to endure all sorts of things for the sake of Christ. Whether mild or sever, persecution comes in all forms. Proving faithful amid such trials is the true test of our devotion and faith in Jesus. May we all be as faithful as those in Smyrna.

The Seven Stars: Love Lost

Sun, 07 Jan 2024 10:00:00 +0000

While our efforts to be faithful to God and to maintain purity in church are praiseworthy, they are meaningless unless rooted in the love of Jesus Christ. This must be our first and foremost priority as a church. We need to continually remember, repent, and return to the works of loving Jesus that we did when we first fell in love with Him. When we do, we can look forward to our reward: Eating from the tree of life in paradice with God.

Who's the Man? Hope is Alive

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Who's the Man? Substitute

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Because Jesus endured the wrath of God on our behalf, we become the righteousness of God. Through faith in Jesus, we become new creations who are reconciled to God. Not only is our relationship with God restored, but He calls us to participate in the work of reconciliation.

Who's the Man? Perfect

Sun, 17 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus' sinlessness stands in stark contrast with our own sinfulness. Jesus as our high priest, understands our weaknesses yet remains untainted by sin, offering us grace and mercy in our times of need.

Who's the Man? Human

Sun, 10 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Who's the Man? Divine

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Who's the Man? Uncreated

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +0000

As John opens his gospel, he spends a few paragraphs describing Jesus. He is the Word made flesh, the uncreated One, and the light of the world. Specifically, in this passage, we see that Jesus is eternal, having self-existence, and what that means for us.

Family Matters: The Children

Sun, 26 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In a Christian home, children are called to honor their parents. This means submitting to and obeying them. It also means caring for them when they become elderly. For most of us, honoring our parents will help us thrive more in life.

Family Matters: The Father

Sun, 19 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000

The role of fathers in the family cannot be understated. Scripture has a clear plan for how God designed fathers to lead their children.

Family Matters: The Mother

Sun, 12 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Mothers play a unique role in the lives of their children. Only mothers can bear and give birth to a child. They have a natural instinct to protect their children, to care for and nurture them, and they have a responsibility to be a model of submission.

Family Matters: Parenting

Sun, 05 May 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Parents' primary purpose is to make disciples of Jesus. They should model what it looks like to love and obey Him, they should constantly be talking about Him, and fathers and mothers should be partners in this pursuit.

Family Matters: The Wife

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Scripture teaches that a wife is to submit to her husband's leadership. This doesn't mean that she is a servant or that the husband should subjugate her. Marriage is about mutual submission through service, but when it comes to authority, a husband is to lead his wife and family.

Family Matters: The Husband

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church. In order for husbands to do so, they must grasp an understanding of the sacrificial, sanctifying, and satisfying love of Christ.

Family Matters: The Foundation

Sun, 14 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000

A healthy marriage is the foundation of every family, especially for children growing up in the home. God's design for marriage is for two people, one man and one woman, to unite as one through a lifelong covenant. Men and women were created to complement and to support one another as they love God and live for Him.

Family Matters: The Bedrock of Society

Sun, 07 Apr 2024 10:00:00 +0000

God chose to build a nation out of one single family. When Jesus came into the world, He was born into a family. A healthy family is one of the greatest determining factors in a person's well-being. God had great intentions for families, but they are never meant to replace our love and dependence on Him.

Baptized

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

What is baptism? Why do we do it?

The Storyteller: The Two Sons

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

The parable of the Two Sons is about the transformative power of true repentance. It challenges us to move beyond empty words and shallow commitments, urging a genuine, heart-level response to God's call. Emphasizing that obedience to God is not just about intentions but about actions that reflect a life fully surrendered to Christ, it highlights the eternal consequences of how we respond to God's invitation to repentance and obedience.

The Storyteller: The Pharisee & Tax Collector

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000

The Storyteller: The Persistent Widow

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000

The Storyteller: Count the Cost

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus invites a crowd of people to count the cost before they make a decision to follow Him. They must be willing to sacrifice all that they own, the relationships that they love, and even their own lives for Him. Jesus demands our ultimate allegiance. We should consider both what we might lose by following Him, but also what we might lose if we don't.

The Storyteller: The Vineyard Workers

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000

A vineyard owner continues hiring workers for his vineyard throughout the day and ends up paying them all the same thing. When those who had been there the longest complain, the vineyard owner asks why they're upset with his generosity towards others. Ultimately, Jesus is teaching that God is good and generous with His grace.

The Storyteller: The Rich Man & Lazarus

Sun, 28 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this parable, we see a rich man pay the consequences for living a life of privilege and pleasure at the expense of helping others.

The Storyteller: The Unjust Steward

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000

The parable of the shrewd manager tells us that relationships are more important that resources. Everything we have ultimately belongs to our master. We should utilize for His glory and be generous no matter how much we have. It's important that we reflect on our lives to recognize who we truly worship. Is it God or money?

The Storyteller: The Good Samaritan

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000

In this sermon on Luke 10:25-37, we explore the commandment of loving your neighbor as an embodiment of Christ's mercy and grace. We delve into how true love for our neighbor transcends feelings of contempt, urging us towards compassion. This love demands actionable steps rather than passive indifference, showcasing our commitment to righteousness over mere ritualistic practices.

The Storyteller: The Two Debtors

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000

The Storyteller - The Unforgiving Servant

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Scripture often tells us that we should forgive others as we have been forgiven. To illustrate this teaching, Jesus uses a parable about a servant who is forgiven of a massive debt, but is unwilling to do the same for someone who owes him a tiny sum in comparison. Forgiveness requires enduring someone's sin without retaliation. When we experience forgiveness, it should change our character. Failing to forgive reveals that we may not truly have experienced the grace of Jesus.

The Storyteller: Mustard & Leaven

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus' ministry had humble beginnings, but extraordinary outcomes. Jesus' ministry grew in size as people came to faith in the risen Christ. It grew in influence as Jesus' teachings were put into practice. In the end, Jesus' ministry will culminate in glory.

The Storyteller: The Wheat & Weeds

Sun, 09 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Christians are called to coexist with non-Christians until the consummation (the end of the world). At that point, God is going to separate the wheat from the weeds, the saved from the unsaved. Until that day, the wheat are to live among the weeds, hoping that they'll give their lives to Jesus and become wheat.

The Storyteller: The Four Soils

Sun, 02 Jun 2024 10:00:00 +0000

How we respond to the grace of Jesus Christ matters! In this parable, Jesus tells us of four potential responses to the message of the kingdom, but only one of them goes on to produce the fruit of faith.

The End of the Matter

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000

The end of the matter is this: our duty as humans is to worship and obey God. That's why we exist, that what we were designed for, and that's what gives our lives meaning. Obeying God should not be burdensome, as if God simply wants to oppress us and not allow us to have any fun. Obedience helps us realize our true purpose and should bring us great joy. It also helps us to not fear when God judges our every deed. In the end, we should remember God while we're young and not procrastinate a life of faith in Him.

Hope in the Face of Death

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 10:00:00 +0000

The difference between believers and unbelievers is not that bad things happen to unbelievers and not to believers. The difference is that believers know they live under the hand of God. Those who trust God don't seek from life what only God can give (joy and contentment), but live life to the fullest because they know it is fleeting.

Enticed & Entrapped

Sun, 19 Feb 2023 10:00:00 +0000

God's justice is not always immediate. Sometimes we prosper even when we do evil, which only encourages us to continue acting wickedly. Sin entices us and then entraps us, so that we continue to grow increasingly wicked. But praise God that Jesus came to free us from sin. Through Jesus, we go from being enslaved to sin to slaves of righteousness.

Avoiding Extremes

Sun, 12 Feb 2023 10:00:00 +0000

In life, we should avoid becoming overly religious and overly wicked. Righteousness is not earned, it's imputed by Christ. Self-denial will not make us more deserving and self-indulgence can cause our destruction.

Honor God

Sun, 05 Feb 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Religion without relationship is foolishness to God. He wants our love and submission, not empty traditions that seek to appease Him. God is not controlled or swayed by the things we do. When it comes to honoring Him, He wants us to talk less and listen (obey) more. And when we make promises to God, we had better be prepared to keep them.

Better Together

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 10:00:00 +0000

When God created Adam, He said it was not good for the man to be alone. We were made to be in relationship with one another. However, sometimes those relationships are ruined through oppression, envy, or pride. But we're better off together, as two or more people can provide help, comfort, protection, and even a greater reward for their labor.

A Season and a Time

Sun, 22 Jan 2023 10:00:00 +0000

There are appropriate times for everything that we will experience between our birth and our death. We must remember that life in this world is not forever, so we should appreciate the time God has given us. We came from dust and we will return to dust.

Vain Pursuits

Sun, 15 Jan 2023 10:00:00 +0000

In our earthly lives we are faced with various pursuits that, on the surface, seem to offer contentment. But after we've tested them, we find they are endless and can never truly satisfy. Indulging in pleasures, acquiring wisdom, and toiling our lives away will never lead to happiness.

Life is Empty

Sun, 08 Jan 2023 10:00:00 +0000

There is nothing in this world that can truly satisfy the longing of our souls. "All is vanity," says the Preacher. "I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after the wind." If we hope to find lasting contentment and total peace, we must look to One beyond this world.

Easter Service

Sun, 09 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000

The Talents

Sun, 02 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus tells the story of three servants who were all given different amounts of money by the master, who was about to go on a long journey. The implication is that they will work with what he had given them to make a profit before their master returned. Two set to work immediately and received an increase. The third, however, buried his master's money in the ground. When the master returns, he praises those who had been working hard, but scolds the lazy servant who had done nothing. The point Jesus is making to His disciples is that genuine faith works to advance God's kingdom. They would have work to do while He was gone, but one day He'll return and we'll have to give an account.

The Bridesmaids

Sun, 26 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000

The Parable of the Ten Virgins is really about young women serving as bridesmaids. Their job was to accompany the groom as he came to collect his bride to escort her to their wedding. When his arrival was delayed, half of the bridesmaids run out of oil in their lamps. The other half were prepared and ready when the groom arrived, but the others were off buying oil. Jesus is telling His disciples in this parable that they had better be ready for His return.

The Feast

Sun, 19 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a wedding banquet hosted by a king. God has extended an invitation to all of us to come into His kingdom, but many have refused, to include those who seem to be religious. We refuse the invitation to enter God's Kingdom because we're preccupied with our own pursuits or because we're unafraid of God's authority. Some of us even try to accept the invitation, but we try to come on our own terms. We want grace without repentance, we want righteousness without letting go of our sin, we want to show up to the wedding wearing the our dirty old sweatpants. The invitation has been extended to us all, but have we accepted it?

The Tenants

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Sometimes we use religion to push our own narrative and we fail to honor God. But God's patience is limited; He will only warn us so many times before He will respond with justice. The Pharisees & Scribes, just like us, tried to take for themselves what could only belong to God. They wanted glory, honor, and power and killed the messengers God had sent (prophets). When He tries sending His own Son, they kill Him too, hoping to get His inheritance. In the end, God (the landowner) will come to destroy the religious leaders (the tenants) and give His kingdom (the vineyard) to those who will produce fruit for His glory. In the end, everything boils down to how we respond to Jesus.

Generous

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus followers might not always have much, but they're always willing to give to help others and to support God's mission through the church. Disciples give generously according to their means, not out of obligation, but out of cheerful devotion to God.

Evangelistic

Sun, 11 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Those who have been saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus should be eager to share that opportunity with others. Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. We should have a strong desire to do the same.

Accountable

Sun, 21 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000

If you're going to be part of a church, then you are submitting to the leadership of those God has called (elders). Disciples are called to admonish one another so they can continue to grow in their faith and work out their salvation.

Gracious

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Amicable

Sun, 28 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Engaged

Sun, 14 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Disciples are not passive, they're actively engaged in the life and ministry of the church. They regularly participate in corporate worship and they use their God-given gifts and talents to serve.

Hungry

Sun, 07 May 2023 10:00:00 +0000

If we're going to follow Jesus, then we need to have a hunger to learn from Him. The disciples were constantly asking questions and getting instruction from their rabbi.

Humble

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000

While we pursue holiness, we do never allow ourselves to become boastful or judgmental. While we may be further on in our journey, we all begin that journey in the same place: as sinners in need of a Savior. Jesus is a great example of one who was holy, yet humble.

Holy

Sun, 23 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000

A disciple who is following Jesus is going to try to please Jesus. They'll leave behind their sinful ways and strive to please their rabbi with their righteous living.

Pursue

Sun, 16 Apr 2023 10:00:00 +0000

To be a disciple of Jesus, you must accept His call to follow Him. This means a relationship of submission, where we allow ourselves to be led by Him. He is our master, we are His servant. Ultimately, it means going where He went and doing what He did, even if that means suffering.

Firm Foundation

Sun, 22 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

The Mountain Message : Recognized

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Mountain Message- The Two Ways

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Ask, Seek, Knock

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

God wants to give good things to those who ask, but we need to be careful what we ask for. We should always pray for God's will to be done and we should always seek first His kingdom. Jesus just finished telling the crowd that they should lay up treasure in heaven and that God will provide for our needs. God does not promise to answer every prayer, but He desires to give us good things. Sometimes, He's just waiting for us to ask.

Judge Not!

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus calls His followers to avoid a judgmental spirit. While we're certainly expected to decide if actions are morally good or evil, we're not to be condemning. After all, all of us have fallen short of God's glory. Rather, we seek to demonstrate grace to those who are lost in sinful behavior.

Treasures

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus wants the crowd to consider what they treasure in life. Are they living for God and the treasure of heaven that awaits those who have been saved by His grace through faith? Or are they trying to build heaven on earth, which will ultimately pass away?

When You Pray...

Sun, 03 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus explains that we should not pray in a manner that draws attention to ourselves, nor in an effort to persuade God to get what we want. We pray to ask for God's help, not to control Him. Jesus teaches those in the crowd to pray in a manner that demonstrates both our intimacy with God and our reverence. We're to pray for God's will to be done, our needs to be met, and for strength as we face the challenges of an earthly life.

For Glory or God?

Sun, 27 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus calls us to practice our righteousness or our spiritual disciplines in a private, not public way. If we're not careful, we might end up using our piety to glorify ourselves rather than our God. These practices are meant to honor and draw us closer to Him, not draw attention to ourselves. If we do these things to be recognized by others, then they have no other purpose in God's eyes.

An Uncommon Love

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus calls His followers to not just love those who love them, but to love even their enemies. This is an uncommon love. It's not instinctive. But this supernatural love is what makes God so good and holy, and it's a quality that He desires from His children. He loves everyone, even those who reject Him and rebel against Him, and we're meant to do the same.

Unresistant

Sun, 13 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Disciples of Jesus should be prepared to endure the evil actions of individuals with a positive attitude, not with retaliation. We should be more concerned with the person than with our honor, our materials, or our time and energy. We should willingly give help to those who ask us for it.

A Simple Yes or No

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Mountain Message: From Two to One

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

God created marriage to be a lifelong covenant between a man and a woman, but in our falleness we have failed to honor His design. We need to take marriage seriously and recognize that it is a prosperous partnership. Most importantly, we need to recognize how a marital relationship reveals Jesus' relationship with the church.

Root Causes

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus explains that the root cause of outward sexual sin is the inward desires of our hearts. If we look at someone with lust, we have already committed adultery with them in our hearts. If we want to avoid sinful behavior, we must first address the root. Jesus calls us to pursue sexual purity by cutting off anything that causes us to sin. In that way, we can better worship our Creator and not that which He has created.

The Mountain Message: Be Reconciled

Sun, 16 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus emphasizes the commandment "Do Not Murder" but delves deeper into its essence, addressing the root cause - anger. He urges followers to seek reconciliation with others, highlighting the transformative power of love and understanding in creating a harmonious community. Jesus' message goes beyond mere laws, but reflects his own reconcilation with us through the cross.

Fulfill Not Abolish

Sun, 09 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus said He did not come to abolish the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfill them. As His followers, Christians cannot unhitch themselves from the Old Testament. Rather, we look back on how God revealed Jesus through the Law and Prophets. The Law and Prophets still have their purpose as God's revelation, but ultimate it's faith in Jesus that makes us righteous before God.

Salt & Light

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

A Christian who doesn't publicly live a Godly life is like unsalty salt or invisible light - they're useless. And just like unsalty salt, those who profess Christ but don't live for Him will be thrown out and trampled. Christians are called to live in a manner that people see and glorify God through them.

Blessed

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Jesus reveals to His disciples what it really means to be blessed in this life and it doesn't fit our earthly understanding. Those who recognize their spiritual poverty, strive for righteousness, and suffer for Jesus are the ones who are truly blessed. They'll find their reward in both this life and the next.

Give Thanks : For His Faithfulness

Sun, 19 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Give Thanks : For His Victory

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Give Thanks - For His Works

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Give thanks - For His Redemption

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

God's Promise of His Presence

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000

After Jesus' resurrection and ascension, He promises His presence to the church.

God's Presence with His People

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000

The Incarnation is literally the presence of God with us, here on earth. By being born to a humble family in humble accommodations, Jesus reveals God's concern for normal people. He came to be with us by becoming one of us.

God's Surprise to a Servant

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000

God's plan to bring salvation to the world also involved a young virgin, named Mary, whom God had chosen to be the mother of Jesus. Before she even knew what God was asking of her, the Angel Gabriel tells her that the Lord was with her. I'm sure she had to remind herself of this as she conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. She would need God's presence as she endured the potential hardships that might result from her situation.

Main Idea: God is with us when faith requires a formidable feat.

God's Plan for a Preacher

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000

God's Promise Though a Prophet

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Immanuel: God with Us - God's Promise to the Patriarchs

Sun, 26 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +0000

The Father

Sun, 09 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000

In this parable, all the father wants is a relationship with his sons. Of course, the father of this parable represents God our Father who greatly loves us. All He wants from us is to love Him in return.

The Elder Son

Sun, 02 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000

While the younger son gets lost in sin, the elder son is lost in righteousness. He cares little for the Father and is only obedient because of what he can get. God wants us to obey Him because we love Him, not because of what we can get from Him.

The Younger Son

Sun, 25 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000

The second sermon in this series focuses on the younger son, who took his inheritance and squandered it in sinful living. When he hits rock bottom, he convinces himself to return to the Father that he had forsaken, to beg to be a servant. As he approaches, his Father funs to embrace him and immediately restores him to his place as a son.

Seeking the Lost

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000

This sermon begins our series titled Lost & Found on Luke 15. When the Pharisees grumble about Jesus receiving tax collectors and sinners, we see Jesus respond with a number of parables. In the first two, Jesus depicts God (Himself) as a shepherd who seeks out a lost sheep and a woman who searches her home for a lost coin. God is diligently seeking out those who are lost in sin.

Jonah

Sun, 30 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000

God called Jonah to do hard things: Preach to the Ninevites. But Jonah was afraid, so he tried to run away. By God's grace, he was spared from death and given a second chance. He was going to do the hard things that God had called him to do.

Moses

Sun, 23 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Despite being a murderer who ran from his guilt, Moses was called by God to do hard things. He was called to face his past, to confront Pharaoh, and to lead God's people out of bondage. This was no small task and God wasn't satisfied with Moses' excuses. God would provide everything Moses needed to be successful; he simply has to trust Him.

Abraham

Sun, 16 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Abraham was one of the first people God called to do hard things. Abraham had to prove his faith by leaving his family and following God into a foreign land. Faith is not idle, it requires action. It often requires us to make sacrifices, but God is with us when we do.

King

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 10:00:00 +0000

When the wise men (or magi) arrive in Jerusalem, the ask, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?" These pagan astronomers had seen a sign in the stars that revealed a new king had been born. They came to pay homage to this newborn king. And when they found Jesus in Bethlehem, they fell to their knees to worship Him. Jesus came not only to be the king of the Jews, but to be the king of all who would surrender to His authority and reign in their lives. We must consider how we have responded to Jesus as our king.

Savior

Sun, 18 Dec 2022 10:00:00 +0000

After Jesus is born, an angel appears to shepherds watching their flocks in the fields near Bethlehem. This angel announces, " For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." The child born to Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem was send by God to save His people from their sins.

Immanuel

Sun, 11 Dec 2022 10:00:00 +0000

When Joseph finds out that his betrothed is with child, he plans to divorce her quietly. That is, until he's visited by an angel in a dream who reveals the truth. The child in Mary's womb is from the Holy Spirit. While recording this story, Matthew reveals that this child fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah. He is Immanuel, God with us.

Son of God

Sun, 04 Dec 2022 10:00:00 +0000

During the Annunciation, the angel Gabriel not only tells Mary to name the child she will bear Jesus, which mean "God is salvation," but he also explains that this child will be conceived by the Holy Spirit, making Him the Son of the Most High, the Son of God.